John Richard Sorsby Owen

John Richard Sorsby Owen

J Richard Owen, 88, died Sunday, April 8, 2018, peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a long illness. Richard grew up in Rocky Mount and was a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, where he was a member of Zeta Psi Fraternity. He was with Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company for over 30 years, retiring as a vice president in 1984, after which he spent many relaxing days sailing on the Pamlico River out of Little Washington. He loved navigation, and studied extensively before taking many sailing voyages. He also enjoyed sailboat racing, and cruising locally, as well as blue water sailing, having many adventures with his friends and family.

He was dearly loved by his friends and family, and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Miriam Sollee Owen; daughter, Miriam (Mimi) DeBerry Owen Chitty; son Edwin (Ed) Fairly Owen; and grandchild, Michael Owen Chitty.

Richard was preceded by his parents, Helen Louise Sorsby Owen, and Henry Walter Lilly Owen; son John Richard Sorsby Owen, Jr., sister, Betsy O. Kelliher, and brother, Henry Walter Lilly Owen, Jr.

He will be greatly missed by his devoted niece Peggy Kelliher Kelly and her husband, Jack who spent their vacations with Richard each year from Quincy, MA. In addition he leaves nieces, Sally Ann Owen Roberts, Helen Owen Bennett Petkash; nephews, Henry Walter Lilly Owen III, Robert Bogart Owen, John Richard Kelliher, and John Craig Kelliher; as well as many grandnieces and nephews.

Richard will sadly be missed by his dedicated caregivers, Felecia White, Tyajia White, and Nyeshia White.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Saint James United Methodist Church in Tarboro at 1:00pm, with the memorial service starting at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. James United Methodist Church, 211 E St. James Street, Tarboro, NC 27886.

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